New service talks direct to residents

Older residents in Wolverhampton are set to get a helping hand to reduce loneliness, isolation, boost their finances and stay active as part of a new support service.

The doors of Life Direct, a new community facility at 68 Victoria Street, Wolverhampton, will open for the first time on Tuesday (1 April, 2014) and give older residents the chance to get advice and support on everything from housing to keeping active by linking them up to a network of organisations across the city.

Life Direct, delivered by whg - the leading housing provider - will primarily help residents in the city aged over 55 years old. The service has been commissioned by Wolverhampton City Council to increase support to the city's growing older population.

Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Councillor Steve Evans, will officially open the new service at 1pm. Residents are invited to join Councillor Evans at the official opening, or drop it at any time between 10am and 4pm to find out more about the services on offer.

Debra Berry, head of housing services at whg, said: "We are delighted to be able to launch this new service in partnership with the city council. The aim of the service is to signpost older residents to services that can improve their quality of life and help maintain their independence.

"Our Life Direct advisors will be on hand every week day between 10am and 4pm at the Life Direct centre to enable residents to drop in at their leisure, and we will also be running events out in the community.

"The centre will provide a welcoming and comfortable environment, so do pop along and see what Life Direct has to offer. From healthy eating, to keeping up with technology, to groups that support careers; we can help people over 55 and their families make the most of the many services and organisations in the city."

Councillor Evans said: "We are determined to do all we can to help older people remain independent for longer, and Life Direct will enable them to access a range of services and activities which will help them live a better quality of life.

"Helping people remain independent by giving people information, advice and support in this way will also play a key role in reducing people's need for longer term care and support."

Recent research found that around 20% of older people living in Wolverhampton were identified as being at risk of losing their independence, perhaps because they live alone or have a small social network, have dementia, care for a loved one or have suffered a fall, and Life Direct will particularly target these groups.